Search - Clifton Chenier :: Clifton Chenier And His Red Hot Louisiana Band In New Orleans

CC at his best, with the great John Hart

Will Flannery | Berkeley, CA | 02/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a new graduate student at UCB, and one Saturday evening I was wandering about the campus, (tripping?), when I heard some unusual sounds coming from Pauley Ballroom in the student union. I went in to find a band playing music that was completely new to me, singing in a language I couldn't understand, with an odd collection of instruments including an accordian and a washboard, playing a weird synchopated waltz rhythym .... and the place was rocking. An alternate universe? I learned it was Clifton Chenier's band playing zydeco music, Clifton on accordian, his brother Cleveland on washboard, with bass and drums. I'd never heard anything like it. I've been a fan of CC ever since. I subsequently moved to Baton Rouge, La, living in an apartment and CC and THIS BAND used to play in a little club less than a block away. This is CC at his best, and his band features the great blind sax man, John Hart. John Hart's playing is so sweet...and driving. How good is he? Check the little sound snipped of "Boogie Lousiane" provided. Clifton at his best, the band rocking, and then over the top with John Hart. This is a great CD."